The Vigilante Valentine: Spruce Grove Cozy Mysteries, #4

By B. Allison Miller

When Charlotte O'Hara finds popular chocolatier, Candy 'Gram' Brown, dead on the floor of the candy shop days before Valentine's Day, she finds the mystery of the woman's death too sweet to pass up.

 

Former barista turned tree farmer Charlotte O'Hara is struggling. Her mom doesn't trust her. Her boyfriend is keeping secrets, and her old crush, Brian Gold has a new, annoying girlfriend. What's worse, everyone loves the petite, blonde, Ph.D. candidate who Brian met at college. That is, everyone except, Char.

 

When Char travels to Crystal Creek to buy Valentine's gifts for boyfriend, David Moore, she makes a shocking discovery. There's a dead chocolatier in the kitchen of Candy Grams Chocolate Shop. County Sheriff Maynard and Deputy Zeke Simons seem to think that Candy's death is a cut and dry case, but Char has her doubts. A bouquet of flowers with a card signed, 'V' is her first clue to solve the crime.

 

Using David's lightning quick computers and special software, Char begins investigating Candy's death. But she also uncovers a few secrets about her loved ones that she hadn't expected to find.

 

Will a barista turned tree farmer have what it takes to solve the mystery before Valentine's Day? Charlotte O'Hara will certainly try.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Allison Miller
• Release date: Jan 10, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201544515

B. Allison Miller

B. Allison Miller is the author of the cozy mystery series “Spruce Grove Cozy Mysteries,” featuring witty amateur sleuth, Charlotte O’Hara, a blogger/barista who lives in a guest cottage on her parents’ Christmas tree farm. Meet Charlotte and her friends in ‘5 Days ‘til Christmas,’ the first book in the in the Spruce Grove Cozy Mystery series. While the books follow a chronological path, each book may also be read as a standalone story. Allison lives in scenic Colorado. When she isn’t plotting a murder, Allison can be found hiking, playing with her dogs, or experimenting with recipes in her cozy kitchen.

Book preview

Love doesn’t reside in the blood or the heart, Love is in the brain.—Charlotte O’Hara

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CHAPTER ONE

It was nearly Valentine’s Day, and I felt a bit desperate. I knew that my boyfriend, David, had something special planned for the obligatory romantic holiday, and I had no idea what he had in store for me. I guess it’s unromantic to admit this, but my lack of knowledge about my boyfriend’s plans made me anxious. I've dated my partner for about five months, and I wanted to do something special for him. I needed a gift that subtly said, I love you, and I wasn’t sure what that item was. Complicating matters, David had a birthday coming up. That meant I needed to plan ahead. I wanted to dazzle him the way he dazzles me.

Is something the matter, Doll? My dad shouted to me from across the clearing. We were ankle-deep in snow, hanging feeders for the whitetail deer that pass through our tree farm. I’d seen a herd of eight earlier. We placed the feeders in different locations on the farm throughout winter. The feeders help keep the deer from munching on our livelihood—the trees we grow for Christmas and landscaping.

Nothing, I called back with a wave. I didn’t want to bother my dad with my minor gift-giving problem.

My dad nodded back at me and resumed his work.

For my birthday, David gave me a gorgeous, personalized charm bracelet that I wear every day. Each handmade charm represented something meaningful in my life. Then, he did it again. On Christmas, my boyfriend gave me a first edition collection of Edgar Allen Poe stories (I know, right?) For his gift, I'd given him an ugly Christmas Sweater. The front of the shirt showed a deranged-looking elf face. The back of the sweater displayed the unfortunate elf’s backside. I found an Etsy designer who knits Ugly Christmas Sweaters, and I knew I had to buy the funny elf sweater for David.

I promise you that I am not a wackadoodle. David collects ugly Christmas sweaters. He owns so many sweaters that it is difficult to find one he hasn't already purchased. While my mom thought the ugly sweater was in poor taste, David thought it was hilarious. He wore the sweater the rest of the day to prove how much he loved it. Still, my gift seemed lackluster compared to what David gave me. I needed to up my gift-giving game. I needed ideas.

A little while later, I told my dad I was going on break. We start work before the sun is up, and a late morning break isn’t unusual. I decided to hop into my SUV and drive to the heart of Spruce Grove. I went to Magic Beans—the cozy coffee shop owned by two of my best friends, Cassie and Joe Binder. Cassie is great at giving advice. Also, my friend and her husband Joe have been married for over eight years. I decided that Cassie was qualified to provide insight on an appropriate Valentine's Day gift.

I got to Magic Beans in record time. I found a good parking spot right outside the shop and went inside without having to speak to anyone. Grovers like to stop me and chat about my blog, Around the Town. My blog is popular, and it seems like everyone has an idea for a blog post. I was having good luck in general, that morning, aside from having no idea what to get David for Valentine’s Day. I took a second to breathe and revel in my good fortune. I rarely have almost perfect days.

The bells above the coffee shop doors jingled as I stepped inside. Hey, Char. My bestie called out from behind the counter. For the record, I used to work as a barista in her cozy coffee shop, but now I am learning the family business. I work full-time on the tree farm alongside my parents. David pitches in too. To be fair, I was a horrible barista. I am sure many of my customers breathed a sigh of relief the day I hung up my apron forever. I admit that I miss the comradery of working there with two of my best friends. Don’t get me wrong; I love working on the tree farm. Learning the family business from my mom and dad is enlightening. I am fortunate to work for my parents, and our farm will stay in the family when I take over. Yet, there’s nothing like spending all day with your best friend.

Hey, bestie, I greeted as I stepped up to the counter, Do you have a second?

For you? Of course. How about a cup of peppermint tea? She reached for a mug. Cassie knows I prefer tea to coffee most days—we don’t tell her husband that, of course. The coffee shop is Joe’s baby.

Tea would be terrific. It’s chilly out there. I pulled my gloves off and stashed them in my coat pocket. I rubbed my hands together to warm them.

Cassie poured hot water into the mug for me and handed it to me along with a packet of herbal tea. The booth at the back is free. You just missed David. He came in for his latte and left after chatting with me for a few minutes. I’m not used to not seeing the two of you run in and out so quickly. I miss our casual conversations. Cassie stopped speaking and sighed as if she remembered the good old days. For the record, it had only been a few months since I stopped being a barista, but I knew how she felt. Cassie spoke again, I understand that you are busy on the farm, but where is David off to so quickly these days?

I shrugged and exhaled. I had engineered my morning so that our paths wouldn’t cross—after all, I wanted to talk about him.

He’s working on something. Actually, I timed my visit to miss him. I need to talk to you. Alone.

I headed towards the empty booth, slipped out of my work coat, and slumped into my seat. I dunked the tea bag into the hot water and wrapped my hands around the warm mug.

What’s going on? Cassie asked as she slid into the seat across from me. She sounded genuinely concerned.

It’s almost V-Day and I have no idea what to do for David. And you know David. He’s going to have something fantastic planned. He always surprises me with his thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts. Remember my birthday present? I lifted my left wrist and wiggled it a little so that the charms on my gold bracelet jingled.

Also, his birthday is next month, so I have to come up with two gift ideas.

Aww, was all that Cassie said. She no longer sounded concerned. She thought my debacle was cute.

You know something, I accused. What did he tell you?

David and Cassie have a special friendship that developed after Cassie realized David had eyes for me. She noticed his attraction when he first started visiting Magic Beans over a year before. He came in every day just to work up the nerve to speak to me. David was new in town and a recent widower, so he acted a bit shy. Cassie kind of became David’s wing woman. She reminded me frequently of what a great guy he is until I finally agreed to go out with him. For the record, Cassie was right about him. David is terrific.

Honestly Char, if I knew what David had planned, I wouldn’t tell you. That would be disloyal to David, and it would ruin the surprise for you, Cassie replied.

So, are you telling me that you don’t know what he has planned? I have to admit I was disappointed.

Sorry, no, I do not. Why are you so worried? David is crazy about you. He won’t care what you get him as long as it comes from your heart. You know that.

And I’m crazy about him, Cassie, but unlike David, I can’t seem to maintain my cool under pressure. I get flustered when I am faced with the prospect of giving grand gestures.

But who says it has to be a grand gesture? Char, be yourself. You are enough. Then my friend laughed and said, you could always try that naked cling wrap thing. You could make a grand gesture and be yourself. Cassie meant the hilarious old tactic of women answering the door wearing nothing but clear plastic wrap and a smile. The crazy act was devised to surprise and woo their unsuspecting, bored partners. I gave the ploy a hard pass. The whole idea made me feel a bit queasy. At best, the plastic was bound to make me sweaty. At worst, I might answer the door and find someone else on my doorstep. I embarrass myself often enough without adding cling-wrap humiliation to my list. No, thank you. There was definitely no plastic wrap in my future.

I didn't have time to provide a hilarious response to my friend's suggestion. The shop doors opened, and the jingle bells announced the arrival of Brian Gold. Brian is a local police officer. He is also a Crime Scene Investigator in training, local heartthrob, and former love interest of mine. He wasn’t wearing his police uniform. Brian wore jeans and boots while a dark blue ski jacket topped his gray sweater. Brian saw us immediately and headed towards our table. My ex's presence ended my Valentine’s Day discussion with Cassie. There was no way Brian needed to hear about clingwrap encounters from me.

Ladies, Brian greeted us with a pearly smile, how are you?

Good, Cassie replied, how about a cup of black coffee? My friend offered Brian his usual.

I’ll have a cup in a few minutes. Mind if I sit? Brian was already removing his coat, and he slid into the booth next to Cassie so that he sat facing me.

Is it your day off? Cassie asked.

Yeah, and I’m meeting someone here. I guess I’m early. His head swiveled to check out the other three customers—none of whom garnered his interest.

Hey, Brian, Joe Binder’s booming voice came from the doorway that led to Page 2. Page 2 is the attached used bookstore that the Binders opened the previous year.

Joe and Brian are close friends—in fact, in high school, Joe and Brian played football together. During our secondary education, the four of us were kind of inseparable. After graduation, things changed. I moved to New York for college, and Brian went to Pittsburgh for his studies. Joe and Cassie attended the same university and married shortly after graduation.

Hey Joe, Brian replied. Joe walked to our booth, but he didn’t sit. Instead, he rested his big hands on the back of my chair.

What’s going on? Joe asked. He is always in a good mood when the four of us are together. While Brian and I have moved on, I don’t think Joe ever fully recovered from our breakup. Joe does like David, however, and the two of them get along well.

I was telling the ladies that I’m meeting someone here. Stick around. I’d like to introduce everyone. Brian said.

Cassie and I shot each other questioning looks. Who was Brian meeting, and why was it important that we all meet him? At that moment, the jingle bells rang again. Brian turned his head towards the door.

There she is. Tina, over here, he called out. Brian waved wildly as if the cozy coffee shop were a much bigger place where he could get lost in a crowd. He bounded from his seat like an over-anxious yellow Labrador Retriever. I came close to telling Brian to ‘sit’ and ‘stay,’ but I kept my mouth shut.

The woman smiled and walked towards us. She was pretty, petite, blonde, slim, and athletic looking. She was the anti-Char. I’m brunette, lanky, and according to my mom, I’m still all knees and elbows. Another distinction about Brian’s friend: I was sure that I hadn’t met her before. She definitely wasn’t a Grover. I wondered who the woman was.

Hi, the woman, Tina, said in a perky voice as she stepped towards our booth. She slowly removed the gloves from her hands.

Sorry, I’m late. Traffic was a nightmare. I wasn’t expecting that. I mean, we’re basically in the country, aren’t we? She giggled, and Brian’s smile widened.

Brian drew Tina towards him and hugged her against his side.

Everyone, this is Tina Silver. Tina this is everyone. He chuckled nervously and then said, Well, almost everyone. Char, Cassie, and Joe. He nodded towards each of us as he said our names.

We suddenly realized that Brian was introducing us to someone important to him. Cassie jumped from her seat, I’m Cassie, it’s nice to meet you. Brian, you two sit together, I’ll sit next to Char, she slid onto the bench beside me and bade Brian and Tina sit across from us. After the duo sat, Cassie smiled and said, So, Tina, how do you know Brian?

Tina smiled and replied, We know each other from school. I met Brian in one of his courses.

I’m going to grab some mugs and coffee, Joe informed us. I’ll be right back. Don’t say anything too important while I’m gone. He tapped the back of the bench and raced off towards the counter like the future of the world depended on coffee.

You met in class, I stated. I gave Tina a quick once-over. She didn’t look very tough. It was hard to imagine her as a police officer like Brian. Are you training to be a Crime Scene Investigator too? I asked.

Brian laughed and reached for Tina’s hand, enveloping it in his. No, he replied for her, Tina was a TA—teaching assistant—for the class. She is a graduate student. Tina’s finishing her Ph.D., but she can tell you all about that.

Wow, a Ph.D., that’s impressive. So, I’ll need to call you Doctor Silver, Cassie noted with a smile. Cassie is smart too. She has a Master's Degree in Library Science. My bestie finished her graduate degree while running a business and taking care of a small child. In my opinion, my best friend Cassie was the most impressive person in the room.

No, I won’t be a doctor until after graduation, Tina replied, and who knows, one day it might not be Doctor Silver. It could be something else.

Are you kidding me? I couldn’t help but notice when Brian smiled down at the woman. By my math, she was a good foot shorter than Brian, so he definitely had to look down at her. Also, by my math, Tina was a few years younger than him—five or six years—she was still firmly in her twenties.

Where are you from, Tina? I asked. I needed information if I was expected to accept this woman into my friend group.

I live in Pittsburgh now—until I finish my program, she replied. Then I guess I’ll have to make a decision about where I want to go. I don’t want to keep making that commute—from Pitt East to Spruce Grove. It’s rough. Brian rubbed her hand.

Did you grow up in Pittsburgh? I asked, unsatisfied with her response. She hadn’t told me anything useful other than she didn’t enjoy her drive from the city to Spruce Grove.

No. I didn't grow up there. I go to school there, Tina answered without further details.

Joe returned with a carafe of coffee in one hand and four coffee mugs dangling from his fingertips in the other hand. He set the items on the tabletop and then pulled a chair up to sit in. He straddled the seat backward and leaned forward, What did I miss?

Tina is getting a Ph.D., Cassie shared.

And she was Brian’s TA—teaching assistant—at the university, I added with a smirk. Shouldn’t university rules prohibit fraternizing with students? That’s how they met.

Ah, okay, Joe replied as he poured a mugful of coffee and gave it to Tina. He poured more coffee and handed mugs to Brian and Cassie before he poured himself a cup. He offered me a warm-up, but I declined it since my mug contained tea.

And Tina’s not from Pittsburgh. That should catch you up, Joe.

I turned my attention back to the newcomer, That’s quite a drive from Pittsburgh to Spruce Grove. Are you staying in town?

It was true about the long and stressful commute. I’ve driven the route before, and I can’t imagine completing the trip regularly. Based on that information, I decided there was no way theirs was a casual day visit between friends. Tina had made an effort to get to Spruce Grove. She must have gotten up early to get to town by...I had to look down at my phone to check the time. It was just after 11:30. Tina must have started her commute by 5:30. If traffic was as bad as she claimed it was, she had likely left even earlier. Cassie kicked me under the table in warning to stop being so nosy.

Yes, it’s a bit of a drive, Char. I’m staying with Brian at his apartment. Then I will drive back to school on Sunday night.

And when will you graduate? I persisted.

Char, what is with the third degree? Cassie asked me. She laughed nervously. Let Tina tell us her story in her own time.

No, it’s fine. I understand that you feel protective of your friend, Tina replied. I will graduate this spring. I already have feelers out for a job. I am hopeful that I’ll find something nearby—you know—in the tri-county area.

I nodded in a bored fashion, but I felt my eyebrow rise in suspicion as I digested the information that she fed me. Tina wanted to relocate and live nearby. Wow. If Brian met her in school, they had only known each other for five months, tops. Tina was already thinking about moving to town. That seemed quick to me.

As I was saying, I did not expect traffic to be such a nightmare, Tina said, changing the topic of conversation. Geesh, she made the trip once and she was acting like she made a huge sacrifice. What a martyr.

What are your plans while you’re here? Cassie asked.

Well, when Brian’s at work, I suppose I’ll familiarize myself with the area. I heard there are a lot of cute shops here and in a neighboring town called...um Crystal something?

Crystal Creek? Yes, there are some great shops there. I go there regularly for supplies for our shop. One of my favorite places to stop is Candy Grams. It’s a chocolate shop. The store has only been around for a few years, but it’s already a Crystal Creek establishment, Joe replied. I had no idea my friend was such a chocoholic.

There are also some boutiques and some kitschy places too, Cassie added. My bestie directed her next question to me. What’s the name of that store that David likes? You know, the one with all the one-of-a-kind items?

Morris’s Mess. It’s kind of a gadget shop. Actually, it’s more of a junk shop. I don't imagine you would like it, I said with a shrug. The store comes by its name honestly. It’s a mess. David said shopping there is like going through your grandmother’s attic. The only difference is the store has better lighting and less dust. That was it. I decided that a trip to Candy Grams and the junk shop might help me find a gift or two for David. My Valentine’s Day gift problem was solved.

Tina nodded and looked down at her cellphone for a moment, then set it on the table and locked its screen. I’m sorry, on my way here, I got an email from a prospective employer. I almost forgot to read it. They want to set up an interview with me. It looks like the job hunt has begun.

Wow, and you haven’t even finished your program yet, Cassie said.

Yes, well, I’ve been networking. I’m ABD. That’s short for All but Dissertation. I only need to defend my research paper, and I am free. My degree is sought-after, and there’s no time like the present to begin a search. I didn’t detect even the slightest note of humility in Tina’s voice. We get it, you’re smart. I mentally rolled my eyes at Brian’s new girlfriend.

"Right. But if you’re looking for specialized work, you might have a bigger challenge than you realize. Most of the jobs here are in the service